10/18/19
In This Issue
CCSD93 strives to maximize the academic, social & emotional potential of each student.
Dear Friend of CCSD93,
Thank You, Principals
Principal Appreciation Week is next week, October 20-25, and I invite you to join me in thanking your child's principal. All nine of our school principals serve as instructional leaders in their buildings, setting the vision of academic success for all of their students and staff members. They consistently are asked to implement programs, enforce policies, manage and evaluate their building's staff, discipline students, and take on a wide variety of other roles as needed at their schools in order to keep them running smoothly and in the best interests of students.
They dedicate countless hours, including nights and weekends, to meeting CCSD93's mission of maximizing the academic, social, and emotional potential of each student in their buildings. I witness their deep personal commitments to their schools on a daily basis, and quite simply, CCSD93 would not be an effective school district without their leadership. 

I am truly grateful for everything our principals do for CCSD93's students, parents, and staff members. The next time you see your child's principal, please join me in thanking them!
Please be sure to read the following timely articles, and have a wonderful weekend!

Sincerely,

David Hill, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools
CCSD93
2019 Explorers Week Encourages Student Curiosity
In 2017, while studying Christopher Columbus, Mrs. Helen Verdun's 7th grade class at Stratford Middle School sought to have a greater emphasis on all explorers, eventually preparing persuasive arguments to propose to CCSD93's Board of Education that the week of Columbus Day should celebrate explorers of all kinds more broadly. As a result, the Board adopted Explorers Week, which has become a crucial mainstay on CCSD93's calendar in October.

This week was Explorers Week 2019, and students from all grade levels at all CCSD93 schools participated in hands-on lessons where they either learn about history's greatest explorers, evaluating who they thought should be honored for exploration across a wide variety of fields, or took on critical exploration themselves. The week has become a time when students are especially encouraged to embrace curiosity and cross new boundaries themselves. 

Prime examples from 2019 include 4th grade students at Cloverdale Elementary School who virtually explored China and learned how to write words and phrases in Mandarin and students across all grade levels at Western Trails Elementary School who explored the world of computer programming, pushing themselves to learn the critical language of coding through stations in the school's Innovation Center. Meanwhile, young students at Elsie Johnson School explored the world around them, cataloguing their neighborhood with self-taken tablet and drone footage. To find out more about Explorers Week view the video linked above.
Learn More About Western Trails Kindergarten Teacher Cathy Winchell with CCSD93 in 93 Seconds
Western Trails Elementary School Kindergarten Teacher Cathy Winchell has been teaching with CCSD93 for 34 years. Find out a bit more about her, including her favorite season, favorite music, and favorite memories from the district in the latest installment of CCSD93 in 93 Seconds, with questions asked by her students!
CCSD93 Orchestra Plays String Fest
CCSD93 middle school Orchestra program students from both Jay Stream and Stratford joined students in other Glenbard feeder district string programs; along with the Glenbard West, Glenbard South, and Glenbard East Orchestras; at Glenbard West High School last night for Glenbard District 87's String Fest! It was a terrific experience for students!
10/24 Board of Education Meeting Preview
Gavel
The next CCSD93 Board of Education meeting will be held at 7 p.m. on Thursday, October 24 at Jay Stream Middle School (283 El Paso Lane in Carol Stream). Prior to the meeting, at 6:45 p.m., a Board member will be available for a Listening Post, which is an opportunity for community members to speak directly with a Board member in a less formal setting. All community members are invited to attend Thursday's Board meeting. The following are among the agenda items:
  • There will be a Board Salute to Sportsmanship Award winners from Stratford and Jay Stream for the girls volleyball, cross country, and boys soccer seasons.
  •  There will be an introduction of members of CCSD93's new Board law firm Hauser, Izzo, Petrarca, Gleason & Stillman.
  • Assistant Superintendent for Teaching, Learning & Innovation Jonathan Zimmermann will highlight components of the Annual Assessment Report.
  • There will be four revised Board Policies for second reading:
    • 270.19 - Public Participation at School Board Meetings & Petitions to the Board
    • 410.30 - Insufficient Fund Checks
    • 465.04 - Emergency Plans
    • 500.03 - Job Descriptions 
  • The Board will review ethical policies.
  • Dr. Hill will update the Board on the progress the district is making on achieving the Board's goals.
  • Assistant Superintendent for Business Services John Benedetti will facilitate a presentation on the state and federal grants that CCSD93 administrators author.
  • The Board will vote on the approval of a conference cost report for two employees.
High-quality communication is one of our goals.  We welcome your feedback. Please call  630.539.3001 or  email us with your comments or suggestions.  Tell us what kind of news you'd like to read more about.